Box Score Baltimore, Md. -- The Notre Dame of Maryland University basketball team hosted University of Valley Forge Monday night for an out of conference game.  The Gators showed resiliency through a tough matchup with the Patriots, but a strong offensive threat by Notre Dame helped propel them to a 60-49 victory.

Notre Dame was paced by freshman Zaria Comer (Leesburg, Va. /Tuscarora) who notched her sixth double-double this season, posting 17 points with 11 rebounds, while shooting 5-6 from the free throw line.  Freshman Allyson Whitacre (Jarrettsville, Md. /North Harford) added 15 points on the night while posting a team season high seven assists.  Freshman Jennifer Whiting (Perry Hall, Md.) recorded her season high seven rebounds and two blocks while Shelby Cochran (Wilmington, Del. /Hodgson Vo-Tech) added eight point, shooting 2-4 from beyond the arc.  As a team, the Gators recorded 21 points off turnovers.

A big block by Whiting to open up the first half helped propel the Gators to an early four point lead, but the Patriots would fight back.  A jumper at the 13 minute mark by Valley Forge would see the game's only tie of the night.  Throughout the first half the Gators and Patriots traded baskets, but a combination of jumpers by Comer and Whitacre would push the Gators to an eight point lead.  A three pointer with two seconds on the clock by Cochran would send the teams into halftime with the Gators ahead by 11, 31-20.

To open the second half, back to back baskets by Comer and Whitacre sent the Gators to their largest lead of the night at 14.  The Patriots immediately respond with a 12-0 run to put them within two point of the Gators.  A run by Notre Dame fueled by Roche and Whitacre would help increase their led to nine, but a string of free throws by Valley Forge would see them within four late in the game.  In an attempt to stop the clock, fouls by the Patriots would send five different Gators to the free throw line.  A late five point run by Notre Dame with seconds left on the clock would put the game out of reach for Valley Forge and help the Gators solidify their fifth win of the season.

With only one day off, Notre Dame travels to Trinity Washington University Wednesday, January 21.  Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.